Sletvold,
41, has practiced law in Northampton County for 12 years, including the
last five as a partner at the Easton law firm Lauer and Sletvold. In
that time, she's focused her career on business and civil litigation at
the county, state and federal levels. She's also taught on those
subjects through her part-time job as an adjunct paralegal professor at
Northampton Community College.

"As a mother, as a lawyer and as a teacher, I believe I have the experience to protect the integrity and fairness the people of Northampton County expect of their judiciary," she said.

Sletvold, a Republican, is the
first person to announce her candidacy for a slot on the county bench. The
position is expected to open at the end of this year with the forced exit of Zito, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Saturday.

Sletvold said she realized that her time, money and efforts to get elected could go for naught if Zito's suit is successful. However, she felt it was worth the risk.

"The seat is up for election. I have no control over the outcome of (Zito's suit)," she said, adding she respects Zito both professionally and personally.

Zito acknowledged Sletvold called him this morning to clear the air about her seeking his position, and he said he's not offended that she or any candidate is eyeing the post. Instead, he said he felt bad candidates had to make such significant commitments to a position that none of them may ultimately win. It's a lesson Zito has learned firsthand; he spent nearly $150,000 of his own money in his first failed campaign for county judge in 2001.

"It's an unusual circumstance that these candidates have to contend with," he said. "I'm not pleased about that for any of the prospective candidates."